Author: Julianna Ferguson | Major: Interior Architecture and Design | Semester: Fall 2024
Excited to explore Madrid and the majestic Royal Palace, a stunning symbol of Spain’s royal heritage and architectural grandeur.
As a fourth-year interior architecture student at the University of Arkansas, I always knew that my academic journey would require a great deal of focus and discipline. However, studying abroad for a semester brought a new level of complexity to that balancing act, especially as I was also navigating the exciting prospect of living in a new country and exploring new cities. The most important lesson I learned during this experience was the critical value of time management and the ability to prioritize when life presents you with competing interests.
My semester abroad was both academically demanding and immensely enriching. In addition to my interior architecture studio project, I was enrolled in two business courses, two thesis courses, and a geometrical analysis architectural drawing class. Each of these required significant time and focus, particularly the studio project, which demanded careful research, design work, and hours of detailed execution. Balancing these demands was no small feat, and I quickly realized that effective time management would be essential for a successful semester. That said, one of the main reasons I was excited to study abroad was the opportunity to travel. I made the most of the first two months of the program by visiting many cities across Italy, from the coastal beauty of Sorrento and Naples to the cliffside vistas of Capri and Anacapri. I also had the chance to experience the rich history of Orvieto and the art-filled streets of Florence.
These trips allowed me to immerse myself in Italy’s world-renowned architecture and design, directly applying what I learned in class to the real-world structures around me. The experience was extraordinary, providing me with inspiration and a deeper understanding of architectural styles, materials, and the evolution of design in one of the world’s most architecturally rich regions. In addition to my travels within Italy, I also had the opportunity to visit other countries, including France and Spain, during fall break. Exploring the historic neighborhoods of Paris, the modernist architecture of Barcelona, and the lively streets of Madrid broadened my perspective on global design and architecture, further fueling my passion for the field. These travels were a chance not only to experience new cultures but also to witness firsthand the diversity of architectural styles that have shaped European cities over centuries.
However, as the semester progressed and the demands of my coursework intensified, I realized that in order to produce a portfolio-worthy project, I would need to make some sacrifices. The months of November and December were particularly critical for my studio project, which required my full attention to refine, develop, and finalize my designs. As much as I wanted to continue traveling, I understood that I needed to dedicate my weekends to working on my project. This was a difficult decision, especially after enjoying so many opportunities to explore new cities early in the semester. But I knew that to submit my best work, I had to be disciplined about my time and make the project my top priority. This was not an easy adjustment, but the experience taught me a profound lesson in balance. While it was tempting to explore new destinations, I realized that being able to step back and focus on my academic work would ultimately lead to a more rewarding outcome. The ability to manage my time effectively—prioritizing my education when needed—was key to producing the quality of work I wanted to showcase in my portfolio.
In the end, I learned that travel and exploration are incredibly enriching experiences, but sometimes you must make intentional sacrifices to meet your long-term goals. The discipline to prioritize my studio work and remain focused during the most critical months of the semester was necessary for my success. I now understand the importance of making thoughtful choices about where to spend my time, knowing when to push forward with my academic responsibilities and when to allow myself to recharge with travel and new experiences. This lesson in time management and discipline is one I will carry with me throughout the remainder of my time at the University of Arkansas and into my career as an interior architect. It has given me the tools to balance personal aspirations with professional commitments, ensuring that I can continue to grow as both a student and a future designer. While I will always cherish the memories of my travels to cities like Sorrento, Florence, Paris, and Barcelona, I know that the true value of my experience lies in the ability to balance exploration with dedication to my craft.